Latest Business Survey Shows that Economv Remains Strong But Evidence of Scattered Weakness Mounts

The latest Nebraska Quarterly Business Conditions Survey (NOBCS) for 3rd quarter 1998 shows that, overall, the state\u27s economy remains strong (Table 1). Most of the strength, however, is found in five metro counties Cass, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy, and Washington. In contrast, there is mounting evidence of some economic weakness in a few of the state\u27s non-metro regions. Economic weakness appears mostly limited to businesses engaged in agriculture services and wholesale trade. Those who regularly read Business in Nebraska (BIN) will recall that the first evidence of scattered economic weakness was detected in 2nd quarter 1998 NQBCS results as reported in the September issue of Business in Nebraska. The NQBCS is the only regular statewide gauge of current business conditions. Quarterly results of the NQBCS are reported in the January, March, June, and September issues of BIN. Nebraska Quarterly Business Conditions Survey Reports 3rd Quarter Hires New Jobs Continue to Pay More But the Gap Has Narrowe